About NGO:
Pratham is one of the largest non-profits working in the primary education sector. It was Started in 1994 under the leadership of Dr. Madhav Chavan and Ms. Farida Lambay with the goal of 'Every Child in School and Learning Well'. Born as Pratham Mumbai Education Initiative, which is the mother organization looking after strategy, planning, and implementation. The network now has a presence in practically every state of India. It serves over 500,000 children through its urban direct supplementary service delivery education programs in 43 cities, with about 10,000 young- mostly women- volunteers. In addition, it reaches out to over 17 million children through its Read India program, which ensures that all children acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills. It is committed to working on scale and working with governments to achieve set goals within set timelines. Pratham reaches out to vulnerable children, especially working children in 7 states in India, through educational programs and residential shelter homes. As a member of the State task force for eradication of Child Labour in Maharashtra, Pratham has been instrumental in Rescue, Repatriation and rehabilitation of working children.

Fund Usage:
The funds collected will be spent on Pratham Council for Vulnerable Children (PCVC). PCVC was started to ensure that every child's right is protected and every child is in school and learning well. Its work includes prevention, rehabilitation, repatriation, rescue and education of vulnerable and working children. PCVC has transformed the lives of 44,000 youth by providing them shelter, education and the hope of a better future.
Impact:
Sajid became an earning member of his family at the early age of 12. After losing his father, he was forced to take up work for a source of income. He worked in various places, doing menial and odd jobs for a mere pittance. On hearing his tragic story, a Pratham staff member suggested admitting him to the Pratham shelter to his mother, who agreed readily. Sajid was then 14 years old and had dropped out of school three years ago while he was in the 7th standard. Pratham decided to enroll Sajid into the National Open School (NOS). The transition from a wage earner to a child took a little getting used to, but the shelter staff saw in Sajid a strong urge to study and improve his future. With the constant support and encouragement of the shelter staff Sajid sailed through the NOS exams and passed his tenth class exams in April 2008. This was an achievement not only for Sajid and his family but also for Pratham. Sajid completed his HSC exams through the Barns Junior College in Panvel in 2010 and is pursuing his graduation degree in Commerce through the Mumbai University. He has always been extremely talented in singing and dancing and has been part of the Music and Dance program at the Shelter. Through the Music and Dance program with RED DUST an Australian based organization Sajid uncovered yet another interest and talent in Music recording and production. He with his skill impressed the team .that he has got an opportunity to go to Australia to train in Music recording and production. After a long wait Sajid has finally received his visa and will be travelling to Australia in a couple of weeks.
Page Url :
http://www.unitedwaymumbai.org/ngo184_pratham.htm

Founded Year: 1994

Cause category: Education

Telephone: 022 - 2281 95 61/62